Thanks for that Barbara, will give it a try.

Do you think there is a chance of some kind person based in the IOM who has access to the parish records for Malew completing this search for me, or helping me somehow in my quest to find parents of either Maria or Lewis.

I was told there may be a connection with the Army - a small detachment was quartered at Castletown - neither the Francis or Hooke name is Manx

Anyway fingers crossed for any news

Thanks again

Malcolm